The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream is one dish that always stands out when I think of Comfort Food. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce baked to perfection—it’s simple yet deeply satisfying with The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream. Let me take you through the ingredients and the step-by-step process of making this delicious The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream dish. Let’s make The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream.

Ingredients For The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) fresh cream of fresh chicken soup
- 1 cup heavy Cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide For Preparing The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken.
Season your chicken breasts with fresh salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for flavor. Please place them in a baking dish and set aside. The chicken will provide the savory base of your The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken and Rice With Cream.
Step 2: Sauté the onion and garlic
Sauté the onion and garlic in a pan, melting the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them until they become soft and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This adds incredible flavor to your The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
Once the onion and garlic are fully softened, add the chicken soup, heavy Cream, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir well to combine everything into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with thyme, fresh salt, and pepper to taste. This creamy mixture coats the rice and chicken, giving the dish a rich flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Rice in the Baking Dish
Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. This will absorb the creamy sauce as the dish bakes, ensuring each grain of rice becomes flavorful. Now, pour the creamy sauce over the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Now, place the seasoned chicken breasts on the rice and creamy mixture. The chicken will cook gently in the oven, keeping its juiciness while the rice cooks in the creamy sauce below.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Cover the baking dish with clean aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at least 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. After the 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for at least 15 minutes to allow the chicken to brown and the sauce to thicken. The result will be tender chicken with perfectly cooked rice.
Step 7: Add Cheese (Optional)
For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese over the chicken in the last 5 minutes of baking. The cheese will melt, forming a delicious golden crust on the chicken.
Step 8: Let it Rest
After baking, let The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce to thicken further, ensuring a creamy, satisfying texture.
Serving And Enjoying
To serve the Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken and Rice With Cream, ladle a portion of rice and sauce onto each plate and top with a chicken breast. Spoon the creamy sauce generously over the rice for that comforting taste with The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream. The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
Chef’s Tips To Make The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken and Rice with Cream More Delicious
Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, bone-in chicken breasts or thighs will give the dish a richer flavor. The bones release more natural juices while baking.
Add Aromatics to the Rice
To enhance the rice’s flavor, consider sautéing onions, garlic, or some celery in butter or olive oil just before adding the rice to the baking dish. This will add a savory base to the rice.
Customize the Creamy Sauce
- Add a tablespoon of fresh sour Cream or Cream cheese to the sauce for a tangy twist.
- Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy Cream if you want more richness.
- For a lighter option, use low-fat chicken cream or mushroom soup. It’ll still be creamy but with fewer calories.
Layer the Dish for Even Cooking
Spread the uncooked rice in an even layer at the bottom of the dish, then pour the creamy sauce over it. Place the chicken on top. This ensures the rice cooks in the sauce, absorbing all the flavor while the chicken stays tender.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. Use an active meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. Overcooking will dry it out.
Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess
For a cheesy touch, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. It will melt into the creamy sauce.
Rest the Dish After Baking
Once your Old Fashioned Baked Chicken and Rice with Cream is done baking, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will let the sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to serve without running everywhere.
Add Fresh Herbs for an Absolute Burst of Flavor
Before serving, garnish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil. It will look beautiful, and the fresh herbs will add a flavor that complements the dish’s richness.
Make It a One-Pan Meal
Consider adding some veggies (such as carrots, peas, or broccoli) to the baking dish. Just toss them in with the rice and sauce before adding the chicken. They’ll cook with the rice and make the meal even more hearty and nutritious.
Use a clean Baking Dish with a tight-fitting lid or Cover
Cover the baking dish with clean aluminum foil or use a baking dish with a lid to trap moisture and steam during the baking process. You can uncover the dish for 10-15 minutes to allow the chicken to brown.
These tips will elevate Old Fashioned Baked Chicken and Rice with Cream into a memorable, comforting, and flavorful meal!
Nutrition Information For The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream
- Calories: 450-500 kcal (approximately)
- Protein: 35-40 g
- Fat: 22-25 g
- Saturated fat: 10-12 g
- Monounsaturated fat: 6-8 g
- Total Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 g
- Sugars: 2-3 g
- Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
- Sodium: 600-700 mg
- Potassium: 500-600 mg
- Vitamin A: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 2-4% of the DV
- Calcium: 8-12% of the DV
- Iron: 6-8% of the DV
This nutritional information for The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream is approximate.
FAQs About The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Ans: Yes, you can, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the rice cooks fully.
2. Can I make The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream ahead of time?
Ans: Yes, you can prepare the delicious dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What can I substitute for heavy Cream?
Ans: You can use half-and-half or milk, though the sauce may not be as rich.
4. Can I add vegetables to the Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream?
Ans: Vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms can be added to the sauce for flavor and nutrition.
5. Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Ans: You can freeze the dish after baking and reheat it for a quick meal later.
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably special about the simplicity and comfort of The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream. It’s a dish that brings warmth to the table, filling the stomach and heart with its rich, creamy goodness. Freshly tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and savory Cream create a nostalgic and satisfying meal. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, The Best Old Fashioned Baked Chicken And Rice With Cream will become a favorite in your favourite Chicken recipe rotation.